The Meaning Of Maximus' Dream In Gladiator Explained

Gladiator's ending shows Maximus Decimus Meridius experiencing a bittersweet dream, one that sums up the film's thematic storyline and hints at the exploration of something deeper. With Gladiator II continuing the franchise's story in November 2024, the question of where to rewatch Gladiator will be on the lips of many. Maximus and Lucius' relationship in Gladiator II will provide a throughline between both movies, meaning familiarizing the former's story is beneficial before viewing the highly anticipated sequel.

Gladiator is somewhat based on a true story, with the death of Marcus Aurelius during the Marcomannic Wars in 180 AD being taken from real Roman history. A character who did not actually exist in real life yet was based on several real Romans throughout history is Gladiator's Maximus Decimus Meridius, played by Russell Crowe. Gladiator tells Maximus' story of revenge against the immoral Emperor Commodus, with the former fighting his way through gladiatorial combat to avenge the death of his family. This culminates in an emotionally stirring dream sequence - one that has deeper implications than first thought.

Maximus' Dreams Of His Family In Gladiator Explained

Maximus Sees His Family As He Dies In The Colosseum

In Gladiator's ending, Maximus gains the admiration of the Roman population thanks to his actions in the Colosseum. Eventually, this leads him to the final showdown he has desired between himself and Gladiator's villainous Emperor Commodus, played by Joaquin Phoenix. Commodus does not play fair, however, and injures Maximus before the fight begins. Nonetheless, Maximus overcomes Commodus and wins the fight, killing him and getting the revenge he has long desired. Gladiator ends with Maximus succumbing to his wounds, as a dream sequence is intercut with his death.

As Maximus is outlining Marcus Aurelius' wishes for a return to a somewhat democratic rule of Rome, he envisions the entrance to his farmhouse and the road leading to his estate, lined with tall trees. Maximus then sees the now-iconic Gladiator shot of himself walking through fields of grain, with his hand brushing against the stems. As he does, he falls to the ground in the Colosseum at the sight of his deceased wife and son in the vision. As Maximus dies, the dream shows his son running towards him as his wife looks on.

Why Maximus Sees His Family In His Dream

Maximus' Revenge Quest Explains The Subject Of His Visions

The reason why Maximus sees his family in this vision stems from Gladiator's main plot. The film is driven by Maximus' need for revenge against Commodus who, at the beginning of the film, supplanted Maximus' prospective rise to Emperor by killing Marcus Aurelius and claiming the title for himself. Maximus did not care about this, as he did not wish to become Emperor. However, Maximus also refuses to join Commodus as he simply desires to return home to his family. Driven partly by jealousy of his father’s love for Maximus and partly by petty contempt, Commodus orders Maximus killed.

Before Maximus is killed by Commodus' men, he is alerted to the fact that his family is also being targeted. Maximus manages to survive by killing Commodus' soldiers and rushes home to find his wife and child already dead. Maximus is then taken by slavers and forced into life as a gladiator, which he eventually realizes is his ticket to gaining revenge against Commodus for the murders of his family. Maximus' entire story surrounds this plot point, explaining why he sees his family in the dream during Gladiator's ending; his family has been avenged, and he can return to them.

Is Maximus' Dream A Glimpse At The Afterlife?

Gladiator Hints That Maximus May Be Entering Elysium

Knowing the backstory of Maximus and his family, it could be the case that Gladiator's dream sequence is not a dream at all, but Maximus entering the afterlife. This is certainly hinted at throughout the movie and makes a lot of sense given what is presented. An iconic quote from Gladiator shows Maximus talking to his men when he was a general in the Roman Army. He states to his soldiers that if they envisage themselves walking alone in green fields with the sun on their faces, they are in Elysium and are already dead.

In Greek and Roman mythology, Elysium was the heavenly afterlife where heroes were sent if their deeds in life saw them blessed by the gods. Maximus' dream in Gladiator's ending echoes these words, with the soldier walking through fields towards his family with the sun blaring behind him. Therefore, it could be the case that Maximus' dream is actually a view of the Roman afterlife as he enters Elysium to be reunited with his family.

It also makes sense for Maximus and his family to have been blessed by the gods. Maximus' wife and son were wrongfully killed by Commodus for no reason outside of his mad grasp for power and his jealousy, meaning the gods could have blessed them with an afterlife in Elysium. Similarly, Maximus always fought for the good of his family and his men, be it in the army or the arena, as well as for Rome. As such, it makes sense for the gods to also bless Maximus with Elysium so he can see his family once more.

The Thematic Meaning Of Maximus' Dream In Gladiator

Another Iconic Gladiator Quote Sets Up The Themes Of Maximus' Dream

Overall, Maximus' dream is a perfect way to sum up Gladiator's thematic elements. Although Gladiator has many themes woven throughout its story, from political and class commentary to even the horrors of war, the story hinges on Maximus' journey. Where this arc is concerned, it can be summed up with two of Gladiator's other most recognizable lines: "What we do in life, echoes in eternity" and "Strength and honor!"

Before his death, Maximus lived with honor. Despite being away from his family for years and wanting nothing more than to go home, he always did what was right for his men, for Rome, and for his friend, Marcus Aurelius. In doing so, he also kept his family safe and longed to return to them. Upon their wrongful death and Commodus taking power from his father, Maximus dedicated himself to seeing these wrongs put right. Not only did he kill Commodus and avenge his family, but he told the Roman people of Marcus Aurelius' dream for the Empire before dying.

Through these many elements, Gladiator showed that Maximus' code of honor that long permeated his life echoed in eternity after his death. He lived for the right reasons and always fought for just causes, eventually seeing his family again and reuniting with them forever in Elysium. Thanks to Gladiator's dream sequence, the thematic resonance shines through; Maximus, as everyone should, fought against corruption and for simple ethics that should always be upheld: honor, love, and family, thus echoing in eternity as a legend of Rome.